Software Engineer, Infrastructure, PhD, Early Career, 2027 Start

Google Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 147,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Google's PhD Software Engineer program seeks early-career researchers to join teams tackling large-scale systems, AI, data storage, and networking. The role emphasizes research-driven design, mentorship, and cross-team collaboration across infrastructure, cloud, YouTube, and search.

As a PhD graduate, you will explore diverse projects, contribute to production systems, and push Google's technology forward. Applicants should be able to start full-time in 2027, with flexibility to work from

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with research experience.
• Strong track record in algorithms, architecture or distributed systems.
• Experience with performance analysis and debugging.
• Experience coding in Rust.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of complex production systems.
• Document technical directions and update educational content.
• Diagnose and resolve complex issues across software and hardware.
• Develop and review code to ensure quality and efficiency.

Skills

Rust

Distributed systems

Machine learning

AI research

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Software Engineer, Infrastructure, PhD, Early Career, 2027 Start

Mid

Experience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.

Preferred qualifications:

• Research experience in algorithms, architecture, artificial intelligence, compilers, databases, data mining, distributed systems, machine learning, networking, or systems.
• Experience in designing and implementing a complex system, for production or experimental use.
• Experience with performance, reliability, systems data analysis, visualization tools, or debugging.
• Experience coding in Rust.
• Availability to start in a full-time role in 2027.

About the job

Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.

As a PhD graduate, your research expertise is invaluable to us. Explore a variety of projects, collaborate with various teams, and contribute to products that are changing the world, across many product areas, including AI & Infrastructure , Cloud , YouTube , Search , Ads and more!

Our Engineering teams include thousands of PhDs who bring their deep knowledge and research experience to enhance our systems and products. As a Google PhD Software Engineer, you will work on critical projects, with many opportunities to learn and follow your interests. We expect our engineers to be creative and versatile, leading and identifying new problems to push the field and Google technology forward.

Google is one of the world’s leading suppliers and consumers of ML and AI technology, with decades of experience in designing, deploying, and using ML software and custom ML hardware infrastructure at massive scale.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $147000 - $210000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits.

Learn more about benefits at Google.

• Participate in or lead team projects to carry out design, analysis, and development of advanced systems across the stack, using your research expertise.
• Write documents that set new technical directions. Contribute to existing documentation or educational content, and adapt content based on product/program updates and user feedback.
• Study, diagnose and resolve complex technical issues by analyzing the sources of the issues and the impact on software, hardware, network, or service operations and quality.

Develop code, review code developed by other developers, and provide feedback to ensure best practices (e.g., style guidelines, accuracy, testability, and efficiency).

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Austin, TX, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; Mountain View, CA, USA; New York, NY, USA; Raleigh, NC, USA; Durham, NC, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA.